General Job Description
The primary purpose of the Adult/Child Advocate is to represent the rights and interests of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families/guardians in obtaining services and supports. The adult/child advocate monitors supports and services to persons with I/DD in Mesa County (and other areas from time to time) and initiates and promotes quality services for persons with I/DD. Job Description may change at any time based on the discretion of the Executive Director/CEO.
Individual Advocacy Responsibilities
Assist persons with developmental disabilities and/or parents/legal guardians in evaluating and obtaining individualized support services afforded by FAPE, IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Provide guidance in identifying needs, strategies, options, and resources, and develop advocacy plans based on in-depth parent/child/client conversations and records reviews.
Attend meetings related to but not limited to; IEP, ISP and/or 504 plans to assist families, guardians, and individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) in obtaining appropriate support services.
Provide ongoing support to persons with developmental disabilities and/or their parents/legal guardians as they monitor the effectiveness and execution of service plans, and request changes to plans as their needs evolve.
Educate and inform families, guardians, and individuals with I/DD about documentation, communication, meetings, planning strategies, etc. to help them effectively self-advocate.
Empower individuals with developmental disabilities and/or their families to impact the Developmental Disabilities system through general self-advocacy and participation in governing bodies and other action/outcome-based committees.
Plan and facilitate parent support activities as determined by the agency's annual plan.
Monitor and update individual caseloads and assist with caseloads of other advocates as needed.
General Advocacy and Responsibilities
Promote community and institutional advancement by representing the rights, desires and interests of individuals with developmental disabilities in the community, educational institutions, and/or with other relevant agencies and service providers.
Assist The Arc Mesa County with public education to promote community understanding of persons with developmental disabilities with presentations, newsletter a1ticles, membership recruitment, etc.
Provide feedback to the Executive Director related to the quality of local schools, CCBs and support se1vices.
Represent The Arc Mesa County and forward its mission on assigned committees.
Attend/participate in weekly staff meetings set up by Executive Director/CEO.
Other Responsibilities
At least annually, assist the Executive Director/CEO in preparing and reporting an assessment of the current the needs of our clients; an evaluation of the appropriateness, effectiveness and sufficiency of Arc program goals; and recommendations to improve program goals, initiatives, and priorities to better meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and guardians.
Communicate to the Executive Director/CEO any staff, volunteer and/or third-party problems that are not being resolved and which are or have the potential to be damaging, embarrassing or derogatory in any manner to The Arc Mesa County.
Keep abreast of current and pertinent regulations that directly impact how and what services are legally afforded to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Keep abreast of the latest technology and best practices in suppo1ting persons with disabilities.
Weekly regional travel will be required. Occasional state travel required. Must own a reliable vehicle to travel to various sites in and out of Mesa County.
Adult/Child Advocate reports directly to Executive Director/CEO, or designated supervisor.
Fill out weekly time/vacation/sick leave sheets.
Attend/participate in Board of Director meetings as directed by Executive Director/CEO.
Complete monthly Advocacy Report for Executive Director/CEO and Board of Directors.
Other duties as assigned by Executive Director/CEO/Supervisor.
Required Qualifications:
Education: Minimum of a bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, special education, policy, psychology or other area related to the provision of advocacy services to people with disabilities.
Experience: Minimum of four years of experience in working (be employed) in the field of I/DD and/or advocacy.
Knowledge/Skills: Applicants must have knowledge of advocacy techniques, negotiations, mediation, special education/civil rights law and group dynamics. Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills including but not limited to verbal, written, and listening skills. Must have demonstrated skill and experience in dealing with sensitive family situations and working with people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Must have demonstrated the ability to effectively work independently, be self-directed, manage time, and prioritize tasks. Computer literacy and familiarity with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook is required.
Other: Full background check required, clean criminal record with no child abuse history. Must have a valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master of Special Education. Knowledge of laws and regulations affecting individuals with I/DDs including policies and processes associated with securing and maintaining IEP and 504 plans. Knowledge of I/DDs and programs, services, interventions, and best practices to support children with I/ODs.
Salary: Salary budgeted at $45,000-$65,000 based on education and experience. Full-time Exempt Position. Please email letter of interest, resume, qualifications and times available to interview to: Damon Lockhart- Interim E.D. at damon@thearcmesacounty.org and Candace Diaz at cdiaz@thearcmesacounty.org or apply below.
The Arc Mesa County does not discriminate on the based on race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, political beliefs, or veteran status. Accordingly, equal opportunity for employment shall be extended to all persons.
This position is open until filled.
Join Our Team Of Advocates!
845 Grand Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501 (970) 245-5775 damon@thearcmesa.org
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